Get Out Of Your Own Way

We're a few days away from a New Year. As often the case is when a new year is upon us, many people proclaim they will be a new person.New Year resolutions are made, goals are set, and then the new year hits. Most folks start off strong with this new change and then either nosedive or tail all the way off. After a while their back to the same shit they did the previous year and the year before that, and the year before that.

They fall back into the "old" them because of habits. Whether cognizant of it or not old habits are hard to break. Even when you know you need to stop doing certain habits to progress, that habit is so ingrained into who you are because you've being doing it so long. Well it's time to break that old habit completely.

The Saying "Can't Get Out Of Your Own Way" is a very true statement that resonates about how sometimes "being you", holds you back. In a career, relationships or life in general if a person "can't get out of their own way" and continues to do the same stuff. They'll end up in the same situations, never really progressing as individuals. Fully aware of whats holding them back, but not making a effort to address it and change for the better.

I know how hard habits are to break. I have several bad habits, some I know are  holding me back from progressing as an individual and different parts of my life. I'm making a pledge to start getting out of my own way, and work to break those habits. It's not a quick fix and it will be a struggle as some of the habits are ingrained in me. It's part of my personality and who I am, but I want to break away from being my own worst enemy. I encourage everyone who reads this to join me in 2019 not only in creating new resolutions or things we want to accomplish, but make strides to break old habits and get out of our way to prosperity. 

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WWE! Shake Things Up

After a few months of some abysmal Monday Night Raws, full of lackluster matches, illogical segments, characters fans were tried of and plenty more. Amid harsh criticisms from fans and sagging ratings, Vince McMahon and family decided to return to TV this past Monday to shake things up. Promising new stars, new match ups, and that fans were the authority they promised they heard the fans and things were going to change.

For now it looks like their sticking to truly making a change. I just finished a Fan Council survey from the WWE on changes I would like to see on the programming. For the most part they did the right things on Raw and Smackdown this week, we'll see if they stay true to their word going forward. For now here are three things I think could help the product and switch things up.

1. It's been the main crying point of fans for a few years now, make Brock Lesnar defend the damn universal championship. The Universal Championship only being defended 4 or 5 times a year severely devalues the championship and the wrestlers purpose of fighting for the top spot. If in the eyes of the McMahons Brock is a "special" attraction, and their willing to pay him millions of dollars to work a handful of times a year that's fine. However instead of making him the champion and letting the title disappear for months at a time. Use his special attraction status to build up some superstars who could use a rub from working with him. Much like many guys of the attitude era begin to move to the side for the ruthless aggression era guys, it's time Brock pays it forward and does the same. If he doesn't agree he can always make fighting in the UFC a full time job again.

2. The McMahons should really limit the amount of time they are on screen. We know their the owners of the WWE and they have been fixtures of WWE television for 20 years now, every one of them have flipped between face and heel authority figures and that path has been beaten to death now. In fact and this is not just limited to the WWE but authority figures in wrestling period really need to take a backseat. That character has been done to death and many times especially with the McMahons as authority figures they overshadow the superstars. Create one General Manager/Commissioner  type figure who works as a liaison of the McMahons who oversees both brands. Their sole purpose is to make appearance for special announcements and restore order when things seem to get out of hand.

3. I often try to avoid comparing the product today to the attitude era, they were two different time periods with different rosters and agendas. The attitude era was great for many reasons, and one often overlooked reason that the current era could really benefit from. Is during the attitude era if you were on TV, Raw, Smackdown, Sunday Night Heat it was for a purpose. There were the main angles featuring the likes of Stone Cold, The Rock, D-X etc. Then there were smaller angles that were just as important Jeff Jarrett berating women until Chyna came to the rescue, X-Pac humanizing Kane. Val Venis tryna keep his willy intact after sleeping with the wrong woman. They all served their purposes no matter how outlandish some of the stories were. People cared about the entire roster from top to bottom. With a influx of talent and the brand split there isn't much reason fans should not care somewhat about every single wrestler on the roster during Raw and Smackdown.

I'm just a fan offering my two cents on how WWE can improve their product. These are a few things I feel would make the product better. I'll continue to watch and suffer through some rough times and wait for the tide to turn. In the meantime maybe WWE will hire me, a guy can dream.

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Creed II Themes

                         

Creed II released this week and despite some rumblings it wasn't as good as the first, it's a damn good movie. In fact it's a worthy sequel to the first Creed and fits in perfectly in the overall Rocky series of films. This article is not a review of Creed but my observation watching it. It's not spoilerish but some parts may be interpreted that way.

If you've never seen any of the Rocky movies besides the first Creed this film will pique your interest. If you've only seen Creed, Rocky IV, and Rocky Balboa then you'll understand the history referenced in Creed II perfectly. One of the themes of Creed II is redemption and rebuilding oneself. A very relatable theme in itself, the primary theme is even more relatable to alot of people.

The primary theme of Creed II is that of father and son relationships.
No parent is perfect in their job of raising a kid,
it's a tough gig.
Love is expressed in different ways, and a child's parental legacy doesn't have to be their own.

Adonis spent the first Creed trying to find himself. He longed to have known his father
but also aimed to distance himself from the Creed name.

In the sequel some of those feelings still harbor.
While not completely closing the chapter on his father's death, he’s getting ready to become a father.

One thing I personally would have liked to seen would have been one of Adonis older siblings talking to him about Apollo as a father
(Apollo had two young kids in Rocky II).

This father and son relationship is one of a boy growing into a man never knowing his father.
Yet he still wants to make his father proud of him.

Rocky is still estranged from his son Robert, but Adonis is his surrogate son.

Being around Adonis and realizing age is catching up to him,

Rocky realizes he's alone in the world besides Adonis and wishes he and his son were closer.

Rocky V and Rocky Balboa provides great context to what possibly led to this relationship souring.
This father and son relationship is one of making amends and repairing things before It's too late.

Ivan Drago the man who killed Apollo in the ring has trained his son Viktor since birth to be a brute force of evil.

He lives vicariously through Viktor and shows him nothing but tough love.

Often making you wonder if Viktor actually hates his father.

Despite being rough Ivan displays some fatherly characteristics in his own brute way.

This father and son relationship is one of a father trying to make his son into something he wasn't,
either a better man or a better fighter. Selfish or not it's for a better life.

The father and son theme is a universal theme that reaches across generations.

It teaches let the past be the past,

be inspired by your parents legacy but set out to create your own.

If there isnt a Creed III, this film nicely completes part of Adonis story

and successfully bookends the entire Rocky film series.

If there is a Creed III hopefully it shows Adonis cementing his legacy

but for now  enjoy the film and appreciate the message.

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Two "New Days" in Baltimore

This past week Baltimore aimed to proclaim a "New Day" in two ways. Baltimore's Mayor Catherine Pugh selected a new police commissioner Joel Fitzgerald, the fourth police commissioner in five years. Meanwhile in the sports world the Oriole's bought on a new general manager Mike Elias from the Houston Astros who played a great deal in their resurgence. Both men seem qualified in their respective positions and have a mountain of work ahead of them,

Joel Fitzgerald is coming from Fort. Worth, TX as the police chief there to take the position. He has already proclaimed he is coming to "help heal the city" and is very aware of the task in front of him. A disheartening stubborn murder rate, reported low morale among the men and women in blue. Trust issues between the police department and the community it serves, and a federal mandate to reform the department and some of it's practices. Hopefully he's the man to help change things.

Mike Elias who was an assistant GM in the Astros organization, is a man many are hoping will spearhead the effort to bring a World Series championship back to Baltimore. Coming off a horrible 115 lost season, he has to find a new manager and coaching staff, rebuild the farm system which has been in disarray for years. Take a look at the current roster which has a few valuable trade chips but not many, and expand the organizations footprint in Latin America which it is severely behind other clubs on. He has made the statement his goal is to build "an elite talent pipeline". The Orioles cant develop pitchers let alone many impact players for any position, hopefully he stays true to his word and is here to change that.

While both men have two completely different jobs that have different effects on peoples lives. They both have a steep hill to climb and both deserve a chance to turn things around. Along with being the man in charge there is something else they will need....help. These reforms won't be successful without a good support system around both gentlemen.

Baltimore did not get the crime rate it's known for overnight. It's an result of decades of neglect, systematic policies that hurt citizens as opposed to helping, carelessness, sense of hoplessness and a "not our problem" mentality. For Joel Fitzgerald and the police department to truly turn things around for the long haul, it's going to require a lot of help from the local government, state government, and community. A way to keep repeat offenders off the streets and mean it, reach out to troubled youth and steer them in the right direction before it's too late, bring more jobs to the city. Bring the school system up to date to engage kids who have more then enough distractions. Making sure the police department is well staffed and equipped for the job, and has the resources needed to get the job done.

The Orioles had a brief renaissance, but still did not address organization wide issues that plagued them for years and proved to be a culprit in their massive downfall. Elias has already began building his team by bringing analytics guru Sig Mejdal over as assistant GM with him from the Astros. One of the most important positions in my opinion is finding a qualified person who can finally develop some quality pitchers like the O's were known for back in the 60's and 70's. Taking nothing from Andy Macphail, Buck Showalter, or Dan Duquette but truly bringing back the Oriole Way throughout the entire organization. Bringing the organization into the 21st century is a career at this point. And Mike Elias will have to surround himself with the right people to make it happen in a time frame fans will accept.

Personally I hope both men are true agents of change. I also hope they are allowed to think outside the box and be innovative with how they approach change. Obviously what's going on in the police department and the Orioles isn't working, so new ideas need to be bought in. Let's give them a shot and hope the crime rate goes down to historic lows in a few years and stays that way, let's hope the Orioles finally bring that championship home. In both ways it'll heal the city. 

 a mountain of work ahead of them.
This
Th 

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It's Ok To See The World

                         

  It’s been a couple weeks since my vacation in Paris. In talking with various people about my experience over there, it made me think about something I would like to encourage more people to do. That’s traveling and seeing the world, not being afraid of stepping outside their comfort zone.  I remember once I was about 14 years old, and I was talking to my grandfather about a family vacation we had just taken. A buddy of his mentioned that he was 50 and had never been outside Baltimore. That stuck with me and made me realize first I was lucky to had been the few places I’d been at the time, and second there were more places I needed to see.

  I’ve been blessed to at least take one vacation somewhere for the past seven years. Early in my traveling escapades people would often ask me where I was going, if the answer wasn’t Atlanta, Miami, or maybe Vegas the follow up question was “Why you going there”? A few things, one that's a annoying ass question. Second while those are great places to visit, there is so much more this country and the world has to offer. Now that I'm off my rant.. My answer was always because I wanted to see what it’s like there.

   We have to get out that “why you going there?” mentality and look for reasons to get out into the world. Look beyond your neighborhood or even your city, don’t confine yourself to that small reality. Don’t listen to your friends who may clown you for wanting to go somewhere, or say they don’t have a desire to go anywhere...word of advice their a damn liar. Everyone wants to visit someplace other than where they live, unless they honestly don’t know any better.

If financially traveling is not an option at the moment, that’s fine just set a goal that one day you will get where you want to go, and that day will come.

Want to travel but unsure of how to start, ask friends or family who have traveled or may know a travel agent.

Not sure where to go? Research festivals or conventions of things that interest you and build your trip around that. Kill two birds with one stone.

Research different monuments, art museums, science, music, or history museums trust me Google is your friend. 

A little apprehensive about traveling far? That’s fine start small and take a road trip to a neighboring city.

Like a particular professional team? Follow them to a different city and catch their game there.

Want to visit a island but don’t think your ready to leave the country?

No worries visit Puerto Rico or one of the U.S. Virgin Islands so you're still under U.S. governance. 

These small steps will broaden your horizons to want to branch out more.

I always encourage going places with a open mind, think negatively about your trip and you won’t enjoy it from jump.

Traveling is not only a time to refresh from the daily grind, it’s also a time to experience new things.

New cultures, new food, things you normally wouldn’t do in your day to day life.

 Interact with different types of people you would never talk to on the daily. Hell you may make some life changing connections.  It’ll also make you realize how everyone perceives where they live and how everyone else lives.

 I’ve met so many people who actually have said they want to visit Baltimore one day.

I’ve also met people who have said don’t waste your time coming there, when I mention I wanted to visit their city one day.

Traveling can be a rewarding experience that makes you appreciate what you have, and know there’s more out there.

It slowly becomes a addiction as you try new things.

It also makes you realize It’s OK to be cultured no matter how “uncool” it may seem to some.I implore everyone to give it a try.

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Jet Set Adventure

                                                         

   I recently was  blessed to take a trip to Paris. I’ve been out of the country before, but this was my first time outside of North America. It was a fun, eye-opening experience that made me realize how different cultures are, but yet are still the same. I’ll break down three things that stood out to me about my trip to Paris.

The Culture

      One of the first things that stood out to me is the lap of luxury in Paris, soon as you step off the airplane and walk down the terminal you’re greeted with all the luxury stores you can think of. Gucci, Burberry, Fendi, Louie any luxury brand you can think of. Next thing Paris is just like New York City, being the fashion capital of the world and the capital of Paris it is crowded. Traffic is terrible, think the traffic of NYC, Washington D.C., and L.A. combined and that’s traffic in Paris. No wonder so many people walk, bike, or take public transportation.

     Fashion! Parisians take great pride in the way they look. For the most part they are very casual and low key, but you can tell they put a lot of thought in what they are going to wear. Their choice of attire is also very modest nothing that really brings attention to them.  Paris is known for access to a lot of great wine, but Parisians also love to smoke. I was shocked at the amount of Woman who smoke, and they smoke just about anywhere they can. They smoked so much I was curious if there are any anti-smoking campaigns in the country.            
      Hopping on the train especially during rush hour, be prepared to throw some elbows to get on the train. It quickly becomes a madhouse to make the train and feel like a can of sardines until your next stop. At the mall and need to use the restroom, be prepared to pay the cashier at the front desk to use the restroom.             Parisians enjoy their time with their families. A lot of stores and supermarkets are closed by 8:00 pm. When you’re finished eating at a restaurant, there is no rush to kick you out the wait staff politely checks on you periodically until you ask for the check.  
                                                                                                   
For the places that do open late, such as nightclubs Parisians know how to party.      

The Food
                          

    Some of the stereotypes ring true, cafes in Paris are plentiful and appear to be at every corner. Drinking their espresso and reading a book is in the norm in Paris. Cafes are such a big thing their McDonald’s have legit cafes in them, on par with Starbucks.    There are crepe stands everywhere just like we have hot dog stands everywhere.  This was my first time ever having crepes and they are quite good. Next to crepes their next sweet of choice is macaroons. 

    Parisians love their bread, often baked fresh daily. Bread comes with nearly every meal and there are plenty of sandwich options. There’s so much bread by day 2 of my trip I was on bread overload and was trying to avoid it as much as I could. There was one fast food place called “Quick” man their burgers gave McDonald’s a serious run for their money.     

   Their food does not contain as much “junk” such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, etc. I bought a bag of potato chips and while crispy, crunchy, and good it’s not as salty as chips in America. Their sodas do not contain as much carbonation and fizz. Even their ground beef doesn’t wear you down like it does here. Portion sizes are small but enough to fill someone up, especially if a lot of walking will be done.
                                                                                            
    Supermarkets offer stands where shoppers can squeeze their own oranges for fresh orange juice. Other than bacon, pork isn’t really an option on their menu(s). Paris has a strong Asian population which was a shocker to me. That meant there were plenty of Pho spots and Japanese restaurants around.                 
                                                                                                
   The lack of junk in their food in addition to walking, means a lot of Parisians aren’t obese. Without getting too political, and knowing the obvious answer it makes me annoyed as to why the U.S. government refuses to really regulate how much artificial crap is really put into our food.

History

       Paris has a lot of history. A lot of things I now have the privilege to say that I have seen in person and inspired me to see more of the world. The Palace of Versailles which was the home of the French Royals, the various King Louis's during their respective reigns. A massive castle and landscape that was huge beyond words, makes you wonder what someone could possibly do with all that land.                                                                       

     The world famous Louvre which is the world’s largest art museum. Which contained the original painting of the Mona Lisa painting. Being able to have dinner inside the Eiffel Tower and see it in person and how tall it really is was awe inspiring. The Notre Dame church where I didn’t find Quasimodo, waiting to ring the bell. The Arc de Triomphe which is busy as hell, good luck trying to play in that traffic. Narrow alleys with cobblestone pathways. Buildings that have stood for thousands of years, just the entire history of the city. There was even more places to see that I didn’t get a chance to.

        I highly recommend that if you can, get out there and see the world. From other countries versions of ghettos, to where the royals reside or use to reside. There is so much out there to see, and will make you appreciate what you have at home, or figure out how to make things better for quality of life no matter how big or small the initiative is. This trip was truly eye opening for me on just how much is out there, and I can't wait til my next excursion around the world. 

                                                                                                 

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Too much emphasis on Coaches?

The Orioles abysmal season of 47-115 has come to an end. With half the roster gutted during the midseason trade deadline,
Adam Jones likely playing his last game as an Oriole. Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette statuses up in the air, with one likely done or both.

  Often when teams collapse like the Orioles did, someone has to be the sacrificial lamb and that often is the manager.
Hired to lead the team managers get all the praise and all the blame depending on which way the wind blows.
When managers are released the reason often given is their “message” has gotten stale.

  While it may be true that after so many years especially on teams with veteran players, they may get tired of hearing the same thing.
The philosophy of the coach may sound like a parent repeating themselves.
Or as the generation gap widens between coaches and players, they may find they cant relate to the players.

  Now for all of the blame managers get when things go south real fast, there's one tangible managers don't do. That's play on the field and produce. At the end of the day if a team is not equipped with stars who produce, they may not get very far.      
 Coaches defined as the greatest ever often had power players on their team, that’s not to take away from their style or philosophy. At the end of the day their style and a roster of play makers made for good managers.

The Bill Belichick's of the world, Bill Parcells, Phil Jackson, Joe Torre, Pat Riley, John Madden, Vince Lombardi and so many more. Yes their great coaches but put them with a D league roster and let’s see how far their philosophy will take them.

          That raises a question, is too much emphasis placed on head coaches or not enough emphasis? Yes their paid millions of dollars to lead the team, but their also field generals. Often not having much say in decision making and one way or another being told to get it done with what they have. Come of think of it their often given directives that regular folks experience just making way less money.  Coaches can raise trophies or head home into oblivion, either way I think the amount of emphasis placed on head coaches is sometimes unfairly just right or wrong.

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Brah, WE MADE IT

  I recently read an article about a panel discussing the quality of life in Baltimore and how to turn around the misconceptions that are associated with living in Baltimore, an panel member made a statement that to a lot of city residents moving to the county is “making it”. That brings up a interesting question what is “making it”?

  Through media, music, even family and friend influences we often think we know what making it is. A college degree, good job, family, and that big house in the suburbs aka “The American Dream” is often considered making it. The ability to purchase material possessions such as jewelry, cars, luxury goods and still maintain a comfortable lifestyle is making it to others. Retiring early and enjoying your golden years with no worries is making it to others. Athletes entering the pros, aspiring actors and actresses getting cast in their first role is making it. The ability to buy the latest iPhone every time it's released is making it for some. Hell a slacker waking up everyday, doing nothing may be making it.

  These are all attributes of making it, but truth be told making it and being successful is ultimately up to the individual person. There are many ways to be successful in life and make it. It falls on what you decide is most important to you in life.

   Want a masters degree? go for it you made it. Want to visit all seven continents and numerous countries? Shoot for the moon damnit so you can make it. Want to be a public servant and help those in need? You’re making it cause your making a difference in the world. Aspire to attend a Super Bowl no matter the team? Do what you gotta do. Want to drink a bottle of henny everyday after a hard days work? Do that shit.

    The concept of “making it” is all based on what you decide you want out of life, your personal and professional goals, and doing what makes you happy. Aspiring not to get sucked in the rat race of life of doing the same thing over and over. If you can identify everything you wish to do in life and accomplishment a majority of it or hopefully ALL of it, you’ve made it. Pay society's definition of the "dream" no mind. Hold your head high and let everyone know your living the dream. You define what "making it" is, not society.

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ALL IN Experience

This past weekend was the biggest independent wrestling show in history, and I was ALL IN. The brainchild of Cody Rhodes and Nick and Matt Jackson bought thousands of wrestling fans into the Chicago area for a weekend full of the culture, excitement .

   I arrived Friday morning and kicking off my experience was a trip to Pro Wrestling Tees to meet the best in the world CM Punk. The line stretched around the block and the heat was sweltering but it was worth it. Kudos to the Pro Wrestling tees staff for managing the line to meet Punk and the line to enter the store effectively and efficiently. Entering this narrow ass alley to the backroom of the store,once I met Punk he was joyful, smiling, and overall appreciative of the line of folks who wanted to meet him. After meeting Punk I ventured into the actual store which had all kinds of awesome T-shirt’s you won’t find anywhere else, other collectibles and a very important neon sign that displayed “Wrestling is an Art”. It’s tight as hell in the store and anyone who may be claustrophobic would have had serious issues with that many people in a tight space.

Courtesy: Pro Wrestling Tees

  Next up for me was Starrcast a wrestling convention for anyone who proclaims to be a wrestling fan. This time the brainchild of wrestling podcast legend Conrad Thompson, it’s full of Meet and Greets, parties, panels, memorabilia, and is a event in itself. It began Thursday and ran til Sunday, I attended The convention on Saturday and even with attending Wwe axxess and wrestlecon before, I was still pretty overwhelmed.

   The layout was not one of an traditional convention, soon as you walked into the Hyatt Regency you were greeted in the lobby by all things Starrcast related. Merch tables, podcast row, video game tournament, hell fans walking around just enjoying themselves. Some stars were hard to find as they were stationed in little nooks and crannies of the hallways. I met the goats as far as cruiserweights in Rey Mysterio Jr. and Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and JJ Dillion of the four horsemen. Both interactions were pleasant and bucket list meet and greets. There were other meet and greets available but I didn’t take a photo with any of the other legends and stars.

     The memorabilia was awe inspiring, Ric Flairs robe you could wear, championship belts from various eras. Event posters, ring attire, all within a couple of feet of fans. Classic wrestling arcade games, too much to take in at one time. I swear there was a room or two of additional memorabilia I couldn’t find and am still annoyed about that.

 I did have some food from ODB’S food truck and damn it was good, even picked up a bottle of her whiskey sauce. One thing that was awesome is how accessible the stars were and approachable, you could literally walk by one of the greats and spark up a small conversation. Be in line behind them at the food counter, sit next to them in the lobby. Everyone was respectful for the most part and didn’t really mark out. The best part to me besides a fans wet dream of the memorabilia was talking with other wrestling themed podcasts. Networking and seeing where everyone was from and how they got their start.

   On to the main event ALL IN, which lived up to the hype. With production values that were honestly on par with Impact , and a loaded 10 match card. The card contained emotion such as when Cody won the NWA world heavyweight championship. Surprises such as when Chris Jericho appeared to attack Kenny Omega, comedy with Joey Ryan returning from the “dead” and his “dicks” carrying Adam Page away (have to know the character to get it). The Women’s fatal four way between Tessa Blanchard, Britt Baker, Chelsea Green, and Madison Rayne to show who’s really leading the women’s revolution. Black Machismo returning, Stephen Amell showing with real training he may have a future in wrestling and more. Besides a few hiccups including the abrupt ending to the main event due to time constraints, it didn’t distract from the event and the young bucks acknowledged it. The show received a “A” in my book. If anyone knows the name of Tessa Blanchards and Rey Mysterio theme please let me know.

    Cody and the Young Bucks bet on themselves and with their friends and family as support, and the fans it came out to be better than anyone imagined. They teased that their ready to go “double or nothing” and I think it’s safe to say everyone will be right along for the ride. I know I will be, when ALL IN 2 and Starrcast swings back around I’ll hop on that train. I’d definitely do more days at Starrcast strictly for networking and being with other people who love the wrestling culture. ALL IN was not only a victory for the power players involved but for the fans and the future of independent wrestling.

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Playing Catch Up

We all struggle with something be it something physical, mental, roadblocks, money, addiction anything. It’s a part of human nature it’s what we do. It makes us better people when we overcome the struggle.

 My brother hosted a radio show where he encouraged folks to share a few things they struggle with to help overcome those struggles. That inspired me to write this blog about something I struggle with and I'm not sure many people struggle with it.

  I know it’s a mental struggle but it is very real to me. I struggle with timing, not time management but timing as in I feel like I'm behind on time and accomplishments based on my age and decisions I've made in my life.

  For example I finished high school in 2004, unsure of what to do with myself I worked until returning to school in 2006 and completing my associate's in 2008. After 9 years I returned to school last year to complete my bachelor's. I'm on track to finish in 2020 which honestly the way timeflies nowadays is around the corner. However I put myself on a aggressive schedule to finish in a attempt to “catch up”

  Now some people will say what’s wrong with that, but to me I often sit back and think if I just went to college right out of high school and got my 4 year degree I would be better off right now and college would be a afterthought.

  Another example after receiving my associates in 2008 I didn’t get a job in my field until 2013. While I’ve progressed at my job in the 5 years I’ve been there in the back of mind I think had I did this at that point, I would be here now doing that instead of what I’m currently doing.

  Don’t get me wrong, I have a very blessed life that I am thankful for. I have enjoyed myself, I’ve traveled frequently and seen what the world has to offer, did some bucket list items. Got married and bought a home, make a good living but  at times I wonder am I being ungrateful as there are others in my age group in less fortunate circumstances then I am.

  I also have to remind myself that in those years the path I took gave me a lot of life lessons. It provided me with work knowledge on how to deal with certain types of people or situations in the workplace. The path also allowed me to come across some great people that took me under their wing and are family now. If I didn’t make the decisions I did not really knowing what to do with myself, I wouldn’t have met those people who taught me things about life.

  I suffer from doing more and playing catch up. I need to do more, and I need to catch up for things I didn’t do in my twenties that I should have. No matter how many stories I hear of successful people who didn’t hit their stride until their mid thirties or later. I’m always thinking if made this one move some odd years ago I’d be even better. It’s a constant struggle of mine and I’m not sure how to overcome it.

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Bring Back Steel, Without Shaq

The DC Universe streaming service is set to debut later this month. Streaming services are all the rage nowadays and every media company out there is throwing their hand in the bucket for some extra cash. A good thing about streaming services is that it has opened the door for so many creators and content that wouldn't see the light of day in traditional media.

 The DC Universe has already announced some original programming Titans, Swamp Thing, and Doom Patrol are a few properties that will air on the DC Universe platform. While I’m personally looking forward to Swamp Thing, I think DC should use this opportunity to bring Steel to the small screen.

  As a live action TV show with about 10 episodes, it could right the wrong that was the movie starring Shaq in 1997. Since TV shows and movies based on comic books, are developed with much more care nowadays it could rival any of the Marvel Netflix shows or CW DC shows. Here are three things a possible series would need to be successful.

Getting John Right

First order of business is portraying John Henry Irons as he is in the comics. A engineer/scientist who works for a high tech firm Amertek Industries and uses his brain just as much as his size to get the job done. Some things go south on the job and John leaves to become steel.

Representation is very important in any genre, highlighting a black superhero who is very intelligent and builds his armor and gadgets rivaling Iron Man on his own. Could be a spark in a lot of Black kids to take more of an interest in the STEM field. Streamline his armor and make it less clunky add some gadgets that have real life purposes and someone could really believe they would see Steel walking down the street.

Setting

Location is next, in the 1997 film Steel is set in Los Angeles. In the comics he traditionally lives in Metropolis, even moving to Washington D.C. at one point in the comics. The series would benefit from not being in Metropolis, as too many viewers would always be waiting for clues that superman is around. Having Steel set in a fictional inner city would probably be the best bet to allow the character to build his own world.

Opponent

A compelling villain, most superheroes stories are best when they have a villain that is a perfect foe to them. The stakes have to be real and high, and something is personally affecting the hero.  Steel doesn't have a primary villain that is synonymous with him.

He’s traditionally fought street gangs, which he did in the film. If a series was created and the creators went that route, it would draw comparisons to CW’s Black Lighting.

Using a fellow employee at amertek who has gone rogue would be the best option. Maybe throwing a wrinkle in the story that the employee knows John Irons is Steel. That could make for a nice cat and mouse game.

We need more black superheroes.  Black Panther proved there's a market for it. Luke Cage and Black Lighting have produced quality, interesting TV shows. If DC wants to make a serious splash in the streaming world, a Steel TV show would definitely help out. Hell DC hire me I’ll do it!

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I Ain't Sign Up For This

The mythical land of Adulthood. Man We couldn't wait to grow up, have money in our pockets, but most importantly set our own rules. While that's all well and good, this is not what I signed up for. Adulthood comes with alot of responsibility, here's three things I've noticed comes with being a adult.

"Getting Too Old is Real"

As a kid you would notice older folks saying they getting too old for things. That statement is very true, whether it's aching, or soreness from still trying to be play ball like you young. Your stomach telling you that junk food you use to eat in your twenties is a no go  anymore. Not recovering from that hangover as quick as you use to. When 8:15 comes youre thinking damn I need to start winding down.To not being sure where the hell time went cause you just entered your freshman year of college, now you got a family and mortgage.

 Little things like walking through home depot for future home projects excite you. And staying home watching TV is actually the move you prefer to make on weekends. Then the gray hair starts appearing here and there,  slowly but surely you start realize you #gettingold.

"I'm Sick of This Shit!!”

Mannnn if you never uttered this line You're not an adult. Everytime you turn around something is going up, utilities, food, cable, gas meanwhile paychecks staying the same. You gotta adjust things and stretch your dollar a little further,  it's enough to make you crazy. If it's not a bill going up in price, it's a new bill you have to acquire in order to pay off a big item. If it's not the big item it's some shit around the house or something that happens to your car, just anything unexpected that forces you to kick out some money you didn't intend to kick out.

  Everybody got a hustle and the hustle is taking more off your money. It’s a cold world out here and you just trying to make it. Everything is pulling at your wallet, cant beat it so just scream “I’m sick of this shit!!” and feel better about the situation.

"Being A Kid Was Actually Better"

     

   Don’t get me wrong I enjoy seeing the fruit of my hard work. I enjoy putting a key in a door of a place I call home. I enjoy being able to do things and enjoy life.

    At the end of the day being a kid was actually better. Didn't have to worry about that dreaded 
“B" word. Something gets broke it's someone else's problem.

  Work was going to school and any chores. Life as an adult is not all doom and gloom,  it's tough and teaches perseverance when stuff goes wrong. Damnit I didn't sign up for this!

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